A person who suffers a spinal cord injury is often facing a challenging time trying to navigate everything that happens after the incident. Not only do they need to worry about their medical care, they also have to think about finances. This isn’t an easy journey but there are options to help with this trying time.
Trying to return to work is another issue that you might encounter. This isn’t a problem for some people because the injury might not be that severe, but people who have more limiting injuries can have a more difficult time.
Vocational rehab can help
You may benefit from vocational rehabilitation. This gives you the opportunity to receive training for another job if you aren’t able to return to the same job you had prior to the injury. The goal is to enable you to have gainful employment despite your disability. The Social Security Ticket to Work Program might benefit you since you can try out working while you retain your benefits.
When you are going through vocational rehab, you have the opportunity to determine what you are able to do. This is a time for you to find out what types of assistive devices or programs you need to perform job duties. During the vocational rehab process, your workers’ compensation benefits continue with the goal of your returning to work.
Challenges of returning to work
You face several challenges if you plan on returning to work after a spinal cord injury. If you aren’t returning to the same employer, you might find that you have a difficult time trying to find someone who will hire you. Knowing some of your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act might be beneficial.
Employers have to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. This means they must do things that don’t pose undue hardships, including financial strain, to the business. You might ask for things like a special desk to help you do your job or even to have procedure change.
If you suffer an injury that limits your abilities, you still need a way to pay your bills. When you file for Social Security Disability, you shouldn’t have to deal with delays or fewer benefits than you are due. Sometimes, filing an appeal is the way to get what you need.
